Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrifts + persistent weak layer

On Thursday morning, extensive sunshine in some regions, clouds will increase by the hour and in the afternoon heavy cloud cover will dominate. Summits will remain free until sundown. The W/NW winds will intensify during the daytime, reaching storm strength in exposed terrain. Temperatures will rise: 0 degrees at 2000 m at midday.

Avalanche danger will increase somewhat.

At high altitudes at hard / icy surface has formed atop which the fresh snowdrifts are being deposited. Beneath it the snowpack fundament is compact, has few weak layers which are relevant. Above the treeline on shady slopes the process of expansive metamorphosis is continuing, the snowpack evidences increasingly frequently faceted crystals, is forfeiting its firmness and losing its hold.

Snowdrifts + persistent weak layer

Avalanche prone locations where large additional loading can trigger a slab are located on leeward slopes behind protruberances, on steep slopes and at entries to gullies and bowls. At high altitudes in northern aspects in shady terrain, e.g. gullies, slab avalanches can be triggered (persistent weak layer). In steep rocky and rough terrain, loose-snow slides are possible.